Chelsea move into contention for Robert Lewandowski

Chelsea are set to bid for Robert Lewandowski after being priced out of a move for Edinson Cavani.

The
Napoli player was reportedly one of Chelsea’s top targets this summer, but
they are unwilling to enter into a bidding
war with Real Madrid over the striker, according to the Telegraph.

The
Italian club have repeatedly said that they will not sell Cavani for anything
less than his £53million release clause, a price Chelsea are not prepared to
pay.

Instead
Jose Mourinho is considering a move for Borussia Dortmund striker
Lewandowski, who was told recently that he will not be allowed to join Bayern
Munich this summer.

The
Polish player (above) only has a year left on his contract at Dortmund, and has
reportedly already agreed terms with Bayern, but his club are not prepared to
lose another star player to their Bundesliga rivals after selling Mario Gotze
to the Champions League winners this summer.

Lewandowski
has said he will not sign a new deal at Dortmund, who face losing the striker
on a free next summer if he cannot be sold.

Chelsea
and Manchester United have previously been linked with the 23-year-old, who is
valued at around £25million.

Lewandowski
has made his intentions to join Bayern Munich clear and Chelsea might struggle
to convince the player to come to England even if they agree a fee with
Dortmund.

With
the player set on Bayern and Dortmund seemingly equally determined to block a
move to their rivals, his future is unlikely to be resolved until
late in the transfer window.

Although
Fernando Torres’ form improved in the second half of last season, Chelsea are
aiming to sign at least one new striker, with Romelu Lukaku also expected to
stay at Stamford Bridge next year following his successful loan spell with West Brom.

Stevan Jovetic, Wayne Rooney and Edin Dzeko have
all also been linked with a move to Chelsea.